CD74 & TF

CD74 is a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and monocytes. It is best known as the invariant chain (Ii) of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. CD74 plays an essential role in the trafficking and processing of MHC class II molecules during their synthesis and transport to the cell surface, where they present antigens to CD4+ T cells.

This gene encodes a glycoprotein with an approximate molecular weight of 76.5 kDa. It is thought to have been created as a result of an ancient gene duplication event that led to generation of homologous C and N-terminal domains each of which binds one ion of ferric iron. The function of this protein is to transport iron from the intestine, reticuloendothelial system, and liver parenchymal cells to all proliferating cells in the body. This protein may also have a physiologic role as granulocyte/pollen-binding protein (GPBP) involved in the removal of certain organic matter and allergens from serum.